Residents of Ext 20, eMbalenhle are tired of the illegal dumping of waste next to their yards because the Govan Mbeki Municipality is failing to collect waste.
Residents accused the municipality of neglecting the community’s right to live in a safe and healthy environment.
“The whole of eMbalenhle’s streets are turned into dumping sites because of the carelessness of our municipality,” said James Maluleke.
“We have asked the Ward 12 councillor for clarity on the waste management programmes of the municipality, but he is also clueless.”
Maluleke said the community will appreciate intervention from the private sector because lives are at risk due to the stench and rats.
“We don’t know the municipal waste collection schedule and councillors have told us that many waste removal trucks are broken,” said Maluleke.
Donald Green, acting communications manager of the municipality, said the municipality has fallen behind on their weekly schedule due to a shortage of vehicles emanating from delayed waste trucks repairs.
He also said corrective measures are in place to clear the backlog and also to deal with the vehicle shortage.
Green said all possible means are undertaken to ensure backlogs are cleared and backlogs of more than a week are prioritised.
“The municipality further urges residents to refrain from littering and throwing garbage away as it poses a health hazard to the environment and people.
“We will be embarking on an initiative to clear illegal dumping sites in the area and further awareness campaigns will be implemented in other areas of concern,” said Green.
